I would have to say that is untrue.They do have some issues but that is about it.They can easily last 300k but you have to change the oil on time and check in between oil changes.Like the newer 5.3's,they usually use some oil between oil changes some more then others.I would say 1 quart is the norm.The manifolds always break studs off at least one.My 99 did it,neightbors,friends,and countless others.They are an alluminized stud so I have never had a problem taking them out.You just have to remove the manifold to get it with vice grips.Some pre 01's have launched plugs.I know some that have blown several and some that have never.If you properly torque them,you should be good.They only have 4 threads in an alluminum head so they are not the strongest and if they get loose,they will launch out.01 got 8 threads per hole so they are ok.That is about it that I can think of.Plug launchs are not the norm but can happen.Manifold studs breaking is very common.

i have found the lie's to be lie's my trans shit on me after 2 weeks i usually make a month or so with my cheby's

and yes the manifold stud is broke on the driver side the very back bottom one

i did a tune up and all the plug's came out easily luckily. i do appere to have a leaky valve cover gasket though the pass side bank had oil on the plugwire's. as for the plug shooter's my neighbor work's at a ford dealler so i can get the thread repair kit at cost